euNetworks Acquires Manchester’s 180km Full Fibre Network

Bandwidth infrastructure company euNetworks has acquired 100% of the shares of The Loop from UK ISP Gamma, which is a 180km long Dark Fibre network that rings its way around central Manchester, Salford and Trafford. The network is used to serve major data centre operators, enterprises and public sector organisations.

The Loop’s history is quite interesting since its cables sat dormant for over a decade until the new network was revived in October 2012 by Gamma. The original cabling was installed by Atlantic Telecom, largely to support the Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2002, but Atlantic subsequently went into administration.

Since then, the duct and sub-duct fibre network has been heavily extended and today spans the key commercial areas of Manchester, Salford and Trafford, while also connecting into 20 data centres, 2 Exchanges and providing high-capacity broadband connectivity for more than 70 key multi-tenant commercial buildings.

Approximately 48km of this duct network is entirely unique routing from alternative operators in the city. That routing, combined with 700 chambers and expansion capability, should complement euNetworks current 42km long fibre network in Manchester. This, in some areas, already appears to almost overlap with their new acquisition. A network map of The Loop can be seen below.

Brady Rafuse, CEO of euNetworks, said:

“Manchester is an important and growing digital hub and we have been keen to develop our presence in the city for some time. It also enhances our Super Highway that runs from Dublin through to Manchester, London and Lowestoft.

The acquisition of The Loop network strengthens our customer proposition in the bandwidth infrastructure market. As well as adding unique routes to our Manchester metro, the Loop provides us with a more local presence, the flexibility to connect more data centres and buildings and the opportunity for further expansion.

Prior to this acquisition, our Manchester metro consisted of 42km of duct network, 276 chambers and direct connection into 17 data centres. The combined footprint will deliver immediate value to both existing customers and our new customers that we welcome from The Loop.”

Andrew Taylor, Gamma’s CEO, added:

“We have developed The Loop into a successful and growing business which is now ready for its next phase and we’re really pleased that euNetworks has chosen to be its ensuing owner. euNetworks’ extensive fibre footprint across Europe and the UK coupled with their customer centred approach to network development and investment is both impressive and innovative.”

Sadly, there’s no mention in the announcement of how much money changed hands to secure this deal. Otherwise, a “rapid integration” of the two networks is now expected (no time-scale given) and further expansion then seems likely to follow.